Harlan Taylor MacKendrick

Published 9:59 am Tuesday, April 19, 2022

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Harlan Taylor MacKendrick, age 102, a resident of Washington, NC, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at his home.

A celebration of life service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday April 24, 2022 at First Christian Church, 307 East 3rd Street, Washington, NC officiated by Minister Jacob Kines and Gillian Pollock.

A memorial tribute for Harlan and Edith will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, May 15, 2022 at the Havens Garden Kayak Ramp.

Harlan was born on January 18, 1920 in Attleboro, MA to the late Wendell Taylor MacKendrick and Calvina Macomber MacKendrick.

He is survived by a daughter: Linda J. Brown of Washington, NC; a son: Robert “Bob” MacKendrick and wife Carol of Lynnfield, MA and a brother: Richard MacKendrick and wife Barbara of Hendersonville, NC.

He was preceded in death by his wife Edith Waterman MacKendrick.

To understand Harlan is to realize that when others have given up on life and adventure he kept going. He took up kayaking at 95. Bought a tricycle at 100, went on a river cruise at 101. He loved reading, painting watercolors and going to class, he loved taking his dog Margie to the dog park and talking with everyone. Mom and Dad were so happy when David and I moved down here. It was great for them and it was the best thing for the two of us.

When he retired he felt that it was his job to do what the working people couldn’t do. So he become part of the Interchurch Forum and helped to build the walls of Zion Homeless Shelter and was on the board till just a few years ago. He organized the Easter Sunrise Services for over 20 years and was a part of the C.I.A. Christians in Action at First Christian Church.

He felt especially blessed to be living in Washington. I don’t think he ever met a stranger, only people he had not talked to yet. Never better.

Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the MacKendrick family.